Divine Inspiration: Approaching God in the Artist's Craft

You speak of ‘a sanity and sanctity’ in my work ‘which is a power in itself’. I was deeply moved. Of his own sanity no man can securely judge. If sanctity inhabits his work or as a pervading light illumines it then it does not come from him but through him.

— J.R.R. Tolkien, draft letter to Carole Batten-Phelps, Autumn 1971

Why did Christ tell his disciples stories? Why did God provide the Israelites with visual reminders of His presence? Why is the Bible filled with poetry and metaphors, as well as records and commandments? God does not want his people to engage in a dry, intellectual pursuit of life’s correct answers, but to be enraptured and enchanted by his good, beautiful and true story for humanity. He made us in his own image, to create as we were created. So why are we so often afraid to approach God imaginatively?

Hosted by the Anselm Society and supported by numerous Colorado churches that love artists, this one-day retreat for artists and art-lovers will explore the ways the church has used the imagination to enrich our approach to God for centuries. Local clergy and artists will help guide us through spiritual practices and reflect on spiritual truths. From refreshing ways to approach Scripture, to time to reflect and create, this day will help us use our imaginations to engage with God in new ways, freeing ourselves to creatively love and be loved by Him. This is not a workshop where artists will be left with a list of ways to improve, but rather an invitation for people to receive and reflect on the many ways God imaginatively loves us and hopes to use our imaginations as a space to bring us closer to Him.

1:30-3:00 - Focus SessionsClay Clarkson:Under the Wait: Inspiration and Creative PatienceKen Robertson:Scripture and Story: How to Encounter the Bible as an ArtistLancia Smith:Prayer as Truth-Telling: The Soil of the Creative Life

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE?

I HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS. CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE THEM?

There will be gluten free options, as well as dairy free and vegan if requested. (In most cases these will be limited to people who actually requested them in their registration.)

I'M COMING FROM OUT OF TOWN. WHAT HOTELS DO YOU RECOMMEND?

Drury Inn and Suites and Fairfield Inn and Suites are both within a couple miles and right off the freeway (Drury is brand-new and nicer but a couple minutes further away). If you're looking for more of the mountain getaway experience, we highly recommend the Cliff House in Manitou Springs (call 719-685-3000 and give them rate code ANSELM for a discount).

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

You may cancel your registration for a full refund up to 7 days before the event. (Email us at anselmsociety@gmail.com.) After that, we can't promise anything unless we can successfully transfer your ticket to someone on the waitlist.

I'M AN INTROVERT, SO I SHOULD PROBABLY TALK MYSELF OUT OF GOING BECAUSE IT'S LESS DAUNTING, RIGHT?

This is a retreat, not a conference. Numbers will be manageable, and there will be a lot of opportunity for reflection and quiet. Don't worry!

Member Churches

Images on this website that are not public domain stock images are copyright (c) Lancia Smith or Richard Seldomridge. Both are wonderful photographers and we highly recommend them for your next portrait session or event.